TRAVEL AND TOURS

The domes of the Cathedral look as if they were part of the sky. Their swollen silhouettes, are prefixed to the somber clouds loaded with rain that threatens the city with their persistent drops; unable to scare the traveler... that lifts the eyes and contemplates -perplexed, absorbed, amazed, the strange splendour that wraps them in spite of the uncertain light.

But the view doesn't finish there, it is prolonged to the temples of slim steeples, to the paved streets, to the grand houses with balconies of fused iron and to the reddish tiles that crown the constructions of Cuenca, the capital of the county of the Azuay, in the southern mountain of the Ecuador.

Declared by the Unesco, Cultural Patrimony of Humanity, Cuenca (2549 m.a.s.l.) is a city of colonial atmosphere, where the centennial excellence of their churches and buildings, seems to endow their inhabitants of a hospitable tranquillity. It is considered by many Ecuadorians, as the most beautiful city in their country.

The Spaniards founded it with the name of Santa Ana de los Cuatro Rios de Cuenca in 1557. The area was previously inhabited by the caņaris natives that had been conquered by the Incas. When taking possession of the place, the "sons of the sun" decided to build a great city there, (Tomepampa), committed to become the Cusco of the north.

The past lives in Cuenca and the traveler can feel it as well as he feels that after the colonial walls a strong city is looking the future with optimism.

SURROUNDINGS

Chordeleg: 50 kilometers from Cuenca and a town of Caņari origin, it is known for its weavers, embroiderers and potters. It holds a pre-Inca stone corridor built in the form of a snake.

Cajas: A place where the water of the rivers, streams and lagoons unite to create a temple of nature, in which altitude varies from 3500 to 4200 m.a.s.l. The fishing of trouts and the observation of birds are the peaceful recreational activities of the place.

Azogues: it is the capital of the county of Caņar. 29 kilometers separate it from Cuenca its colonial atmosphere, the thing to see is the San Francisco's convent, built in the top of a huaca (sacred mountain) of pre-Hispanic time.

Caņar plantation: The colourful market and the nearby ruins of Ingapirca (wall of Inca stone), are its biggest attractions. Caņar plantation is located 65 kilometers from Cuenca and is usually the starting point for the tours that will take you to the ruins of the famous fortress that, according to experts, was used to control the native Caņaris. Stores, bathrooms, a tambo for the Inca, a temple dedicated to the sun, are all part of Ingapirca, built in the XV century by order of Huayna Capac.